JPS6327251Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a money return signal generating device that generates a return signal for instructing the return of inserted money in a vending machine.

[Conventional technology]

In a vending machine, if a user inserts money such as banknotes or coins and then cancels the purchase for some reason, if the user wishes to return the inserted money and operates the return lever attached to the vending machine. Input currency is now being returned. A device that generates a return signal for instructing the return of inserted coins when the return lever is operated is provided in a coin sorting device mounted on the vending machine, and this coin sorting device operates the return lever. The coin passage is opened in conjunction with the operation of the return lever each time the coin passage is operated, and coins stuck in the coin passage are returned, and the mechanical operation of the coin sorting device at this time is detected. A return signal is generated.

This type of coin sorting device is shown in FIG. 1, in which the coin passage is shown in an open state. In the figure, 1 is a fixed side wall, and 2 is a movable wall that is attached to the fixed side wall 1 and can rotate in both directions of the arrow.This movable wall 2 is always closed by being pressed against the fixed side wall 1 by a spring 3, A coin passage is formed between the side wall 1 and the side wall 1. The fixed side wall 1 includes a rolling path 5 on which coins inserted from the slot 4 roll, a sorting coil 6 for inspecting the properties of coins rolling on this rolling path 5, and a coil 6 at the end of the rolling path 5. It is arranged so that it can appear and retract from the falling position, and when the input coin is judged to be a genuine coin by the sorting coil 6, it exits the coin passage and guides the coin to the genuine coin passage 7, and the sorting coil 6 determines whether the input coin is a counterfeit coin. A gate 9 that protrudes into the coin path and guides the coin to the return path 8 when it is determined that
A return lever 11 rotatably supported by a shaft 0 and a detection coil 12 for detecting the operation of the return lever 11 are provided. A roller 13 is attached to the return lever 11, and a protrusion 14 having a slope is provided on the movable wall 2 in opposition to the roller 13.

When the return operation lever attached to the front of the vending machine (not shown) is operated while the movable wall 2 is pressed against the fixed side wall 1 side and closed, the return operation lever is activated in conjunction with the operation of the return operation lever. 11 rotates clockwise around pin 10. This clockwise rotation of the return lever 11 causes the roller 13 to ride on the slope of the protrusion 14 of the movable wall 2, whereby the movable wall 2 separates from the fixed side wall 1 and the coin passage is opened. By rotating the return lever 11 in the clockwise direction, a part of the return lever 11 enters the sensing area of the detection coil 12, which causes a large change in the output voltage of the detection coil 12, and the change in output voltage is captured and returned. A signal is output. In this way, in the conventional coin sorting device, the return signal is generated by detecting the rotation of the return lever 11 with the detection coil 12, so the detection coil 12 must be provided only for generating the return signal. However, there is a problem in that the number of parts increases.

As a device that solved this problem, JP-A-55-
The invention described in Publication No. 159288 (invention title: "Coin Sorting Processing Device") is known. An outline of this device is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In Fig. 2, the same parts as in Fig. 1 are given the same symbols.
1 indicates a fixed side wall, and 2 indicates a movable wall. Coin sorting sensors 21, 21 corresponding to the sorting coil 6 in FIG. 1 are arranged opposite to each other on the fixed side wall 1 and the movable wall 2.
As shown in FIG. 3, these coin sorting sensors 21, 21 have coils 22, 23 connected in series, and a capacitor 24 connected in parallel with the coils 22, 23.
It is also connected to the oscillation circuit 25. The oscillation circuit 25 is configured to oscillate at a resonant frequency determined by the coils 22 and 23 and the capacitor 24 in a standby state. 2 coins (specie) with this device
6 passes between the coin sorting sensors 21 and 21, the inductance of the coils 22 and 23 changes, and the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 25 changes, and the return lever 11 shown in FIG. When the coin sorting sensors 21, 21 separate from each other from the fixed side wall 1, the distance between the coin sorting sensors 21, 21 increases, so the mutual inductance of the coils 22, 23 changes, and the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 25 changes. Therefore, in this device, the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 25 that changes when a genuine coin is inserted is used as the first reference value, and the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 25 that changes when the movable wall 2 is opened is used as the second reference value. The oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 25 matches the first reference value or the second reference value depending on whether a genuine coin is inserted or the return lever is operated. A genuine coin signal and a return signal can be obtained by distinguishing between the two.

[Problem that the invention attempts to solve]

According to this device, the detection coil 1 shown in FIG.
2 can be deleted, but since it is necessary to set two reference values, it has the following disadvantages. In other words, although the quality of the coin sorting device is controlled to avoid dimensional errors during manufacturing and assembly, the dimensions between the two walls when the movable wall 2 is closed to the fixed side wall 1 and the mounting state of the coin sorting sensors 21, 21 may vary. It is extremely difficult to manufacture the same for all coin sorting devices. Therefore, since the dimension between both walls and the mounting state of the coin sorting sensor differ depending on the individual coin sorting device, the first and second reference values also differ depending on the individual coin sorting device. For this purpose, a first standard value is measured by inserting a genuine coin into each coin sorting device, and a second standard value is measured by operating the return lever, and based on these measurement results, the set value is written into the storage unit. Must be present (reference values must be adjusted). Therefore, as in the case where the first and second reference values are provided, the more the number of reference values, the more time is required to adjust the reference values, which has the disadvantage that the price rises. .

In view of the above points, the present invention eliminates the need to adjust the reference value for generating a return signal by generating a return signal using a reference value for determining an inserted coin as a genuine coin. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a money return signal generating device.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention has been developed so that the output of a comparator that generates an output when the output of a coin sorting sensor exceeds a reference value for determining an input coin as a genuine coin reaches a predetermined time. The device is characterized by being equipped with a timer that generates a return signal for instructing the return of the inserted currency when the coin is returned.

[Effect]

In this invention, the timer generates the return signal when the output of the comparator that compares the output of the coin sorting sensor with the standard value for determining genuine coins reaches a predetermined time. is generated using a standard value for identifying genuine currency. Here, the predetermined time of the timer corresponds to the reference value for generating the return signal, but the time when the output of the coin sorting sensor changes between when inserting a coin and when operating the return lever is usually significantly different. Because there is a difference,
Adjustment of the predetermined time of the timer may be unnecessary.

Furthermore, if the operation of the return lever is intentionally or accidentally shorter than the predetermined time, the return signal will not be generated, but in that case, the inserted coins will not be returned, so the return lever must be operated again. There will be no inconvenience. Also, in this case, the comparator will generate an output, but instead of immediately identifying it as a genuine coin (counting the genuine coin), it is combined with the output of other sensors. All you have to do is make a determination.

〔Example〕

Next, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and FIG. 5 is an operating waveform diagram.

In Fig. 4, 41 is an AC power supply, R ₁ and R ₂ are fixed resistors, L ₁ is a variable inductance element, and 4
2, 43 are attached to the fixed side wall 1 and the movable wall 2,
These are coils connected in series that constitute a coin sorting sensor, and these coils 42 and 43 and fixed resistors R ₁ ,
A bridge circuit 51 is configured by R ₂ and variable inductance element L ₁ . The output of the bridge circuit 51 is connected to a differential amplifier 44, and the output of the differential amplifier 44 is connected via a rectifying and smoothing circuit 45 to a comparison input of a comparator 46 forming a part of the determination circuit 52. The output of the comparator 46 is connected to an on-delay timer 47 and to a set input of a flip-flop FF. The timer 47 outputs a return signal, and the output is sent to the OR circuit OR via the fall detection circuit 50.
is connected to one input of the flip-flop FF
The normal output Q of is connected to one input of an AND circuit AD. A coin detector SW is connected to the other input of this AND circuit AD. This coin detector SW is installed in the genuine coin passageway 8 below the gate 9 shown in FIG. This coin detector is
A detection signal from the SW sends out a genuine coin signal for coin counting. This coin detector SW is special
This invention is well known from the invention described in Publication No. 30877 (title of the invention: "Coin Handling Device"). The output of the AND circuit AD is connected to the other input of the OR circuit OR via a fall detection circuit 49 consisting of a differential element, and the output of the OR circuit OR is connected to the reset input of the flip-flop FF. The bridge circuit 51 is adjusted by the variable impedance element L ₁ so as to be balanced in a standby state in which no coin is inserted and the movable wall 2 is closed to the fixed side wall 1. , 43 or when the return lever is operated and the movable wall 2 separates from the fixed side wall 1, the impedance of the coils 42 and 43 changes, causing the equilibrium state to collapse and become an unbalanced state. Then, this change in state is detected via the differential amplifier 44 and the rectifying and smoothing circuit 45. Further, the time limit (predetermined time) of the timer 47 is set to be longer than the time it takes for the inserted coin to pass between the coils 42 and 43, as will become clear later.

Next, the operation of the return signal generating device shown in FIG. 4 will be explained using the operation waveform diagram shown in FIG. 5. Since the variable inductance L ₁ of the bridge circuit 51 is adjusted so that it is balanced in the standby state, the output voltage of the bridge circuit 51 is zero, and the rectifier smoothing circuit 4
The output of 5 is at zero potential as shown in FIG. 5a.
When a coin (genuine coin) is inserted in this state and this coin passes between the coils 42 and 43, the coils 42 and 4
The inductance of the bridge circuit 51 changes, causing the bridge circuit 51 to become unbalanced.
Its output voltage increases. This bridge circuit 5
The output of 1 is amplified by a differential amplifier 44 and then rectified by a rectifying and smoothing circuit 45. This rectifying and smoothing circuit 45
The part indicated by arrow A in FIG. 5a, which shows the output waveform of , is the output waveform when specie coins are inserted. The output a of the rectifying and smoothing circuit 45 is compared by the comparator 46 of the determining circuit 52 with a reference value COM for identifying genuine coins having a voltage value shown by a dashed line in FIG. 5a. Comparator 46
As shown in FIG. 5b, the output a of the rectifying and smoothing circuit 45 reaches the reference value COM and outputs the logic signal "1" output b during the period when the output a exceeds the reference value COM.
The output b of the comparator 46 is applied to the timer 47 and the set input of the flip-flop FF.
6's output b changes from logic signal "0" to logic signal "1"
At the same time, the timer 47 starts its time-limiting operation and the flip-flop FF is set as shown in FIG. 5b. Since the time limit of the timer 47 is set to be longer than the time it takes for the coin to pass between the coils 42 and 43, the output b of the comparator 46 changes from the logic signal "1" to the logic signal before the time limit of the timer 47 elapses. The signal falls to "0". As a result, the input signal of the timer 47 disappears, so the time limit operation is canceled and the timer 47 returns to its initial state, and its output c remains at the logic signal "0" as shown in FIG. 5C. Comparator 46
The flip-flop set by the output b of
The AND circuit AD, to which the output d of the FF is applied to one input, becomes conductive when a coin is detected by the coin detector SW. That is, in the AND circuit AD, the flip-flop FF is set when the coin passes the positions of the coils 42 and 43, and the AND condition is established when the coin reaches the position of the coin detector SW. When the detection signal e is output from the coin detector SW as shown in Fig. 5e, an output f at the same time as the detection signal e shown in Fig. 5e is sent from the AND circuit AD as a genuine coin signal. . When the output f of the AND circuit AD falls, a short pulse signal is sent from the fall detection circuit 49, and this short pulse signal is transmitted to the OR circuit.
Since it is applied to the reset input of flip-flop FF via OR, flip-flop FF is reset and placed in a standby state.

Next, the operation when the return lever is operated and the movable wall 2 is separated from the fixed side wall 1 will be described. When the movable wall 2 separates from the fixed side wall 1, the bridge circuit 51, which was in equilibrium in the standby state, displaces the coil 4.
Since the inductances of 2 and 43 change, an unbalanced state occurs. The output a obtained by rectifying the output of the bridge circuit 51 by the rectifying and smoothing circuit 45 via the differential amplifier 44 is indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 5a.
The output a of this rectifying and smoothing circuit 45 is compared with the reference value COM in a comparator 46, and during the period when the output a of the rectifying and smoothing circuit 45 reaches the reference value COM and exceeds the reference value COM, the output a from the comparator 46 is transferred to the reference value COM in FIG. Output b as shown
is sent. As is clear from the arrows A and B in FIG. This is relatively long compared to the time it has been in this state. This is longer time to change the coils 42, 43 by manually operating the return lever to separate the movable wall 2 than to change the coils 42, 43 by the inserted coin passing through the coils 42, 43. This is because it is long.

The output b of the comparator 46 is applied to the timer 47 and the flip-flop FF, and the timer 47 starts its time-limiting operation and the flip-flop FF is set. When the time limit operation of the timer 47 progresses and the time limit T elapses, the output c from the timer 47 becomes the fifth
The output c is sent out as shown in Figure C, and this output c is used as a return signal for instructing the return of the inserted coins. When the output b of the comparison circuit 46 falls from the logic signal "1" to the logic signal "0", the output c of the timer 47 also falls from the logic signal "1" to the logic signal "0". When the fall detection circuit 50 detects the fall of the output c of the timer 47, a short pulse signal is sent out from the fall detection circuit 50.
This short pulse signal is applied to the reset input of the flip-flop FF via the OR circuit OR, and the flip-flop FF is reset to a standby state.

In the above embodiment, a coil 4 disposed opposite to the fixed side wall 1 and the movable wall 2 serves as a coin sorting sensor.
Although coils 2 and 43 have been explained, coils 42 and 43
The same effect can be achieved even if a piece of magnetic material is provided in place of either one of the coils.

[Effect of idea]

According to the present invention as described above, a return signal is generated when the time during which the output of the coin sorting sensor exceeds a reference value for determining genuine coins reaches a predetermined time,
Since the return signal is generated using the standard value for identifying genuine coins, there is no need to adjust a special standard value to generate the return signal, which simplifies the adjustment work after assembling the coin sorting device. can be achieved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a coin sorting device showing a conventional device, FIGS. 2 and 3 are sectional views and wiring diagrams of different conventional devices, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. The figure is an operational waveform diagram of this embodiment. 1... Fixed side wall, 2... Movable wall, 42, 43...
...Coil as a coin sorting sensor, 11...Return lever, 46...Comparator, 47...Timer.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] a fixed side wall, a movable wall that forms a coin passage between the fixed side wall and is attached to the fixed side wall so as to be openable and closable; and a movable wall that is rotatably attached to the fixed side wall and when operated. a return lever that separates the coin from the fixed side wall; a coin sorting sensor that is provided across the coin passage and changes its output in accordance with the insertion of a coin into the coin passage and the operation of the return lever; In a coin sorting device comprising a comparator that generates an output when the output exceeds a reference value for determining the coin as a genuine coin, the coin is input when the output of the comparator reaches a predetermined time. A money return signal generating device comprising a timer that generates a return signal for instructing the return of money.